Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka is being pressed on what more the Government is doing to improve health outcomes for Māori men and respond to growing homelessness across Aotearoa.
The discussion comes amid concern that too many Māori men continue to be diagnosed late with cancer, reducing treatment options and survival chances.
Health agencies have identified cancer screening uptake, early diagnosis and timely treatment as key measures for improving Māori health outcomes. New Zealand’s Cancer Action Plan also calls for better cancer prevention, earlier detection, faster diagnosis and improved support for whānau affected by cancer.
Potaka is expected to be asked whether better screening and earlier intervention are being prioritised for Māori communities, particularly where barriers to healthcare remain high.
The interview also comes as the Coalition to End Women’s Homelessness warns more than 33,000 children and young people in Aotearoa are experiencing severe housing deprivation, including living without shelter, in temporary accommodation, in overcrowded homes or in uninhabitable housing.
Advocates say the figures point to a deepening housing crisis affecting tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and a growing number of older people.
As Associate Housing Minister, Potaka has previously defended the Government’s housing changes, including initiatives aimed at emergency housing, social housing delivery and support for people at risk of homelessness.
But community groups and opposition voices say more urgent action is needed, particularly as Māori remain heavily affected by housing insecurity and poor health outcomes.
Potaka is also expected to reflect on this year’s Fieldays, where rural communities, Māori agribusiness and regional economic development were among the issues in focus.
